Comparison of MODIS surface temperatures to in situ measurements on the Greenland Ice Sheet from 2014 to 2017

Abstract Remotely sensed land surface temperature (LST) data, such as the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) LST thermal infrared products, are useful for monitoring processes on Greenland Ice Sheet in remote areas but must be validated to ensure accuracy. Using data from Programme Monitoring (PROMICE), we conducted a MODIS validation (MOD/MYD11 C6 swath level product) using radiometric in-situ skin records 2014 2017 over 17 PROMICE sites mostly ice sheet's ablation zone. There is significant cold bias when compared temperature, particularly temperatures below 0°C (mean bias: 2.4 ± 0.01°C mean standard error, RMSE = 3.2°C). Multiple linear regression analysis reveals difference between and larger at lower temperatures, latent heat fluxes higher specific humidity. Our results confirm presence of progressive that should considered use this product, identify corroborate ongoing algorithm development.